“The decision has been taken without discussions with any stakeholders. The officials of the department have not held talks with parents before reopening of schools,” alleged Odisha Abhibhabak Mahasangha president Prashana Bisoi.
The Health Department has warned of the possible third wave by February end and reopening of physical classes would a risky, he added. “It impossible in part of children to follow the guidelines strictly. The minors should be given vaccine jabs before attending classes,” he demanded.
“The Government is preparing for the third wave which may affect children. Reopening schools during this situation is a highly risky proposition. The government should take the views of the parents on this,” said a parent.
Physical teaching for the students of Class I to V would resume in Odisha from January 3, School and Mass Education Minister, Samir Ranjan Dash, said here on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, Dash said, "With the instruction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, we are going to resume classroom teaching for students of Class I to V in about 27,000 schools from January 3, while in the other schools it will start from January 10."
The first summative assessment of Class X students would continue till January 9. So, schools having classes for I to X will resume physical teaching for the primary class students from January 10, he said. Considering the eagerness among the students to attend classes in their schools, the government has taken this decision, Dash said.
With a possible threat of a third wave of Coronavirus pandemic, many parents are not willing to send their kids to school without vaccination.
